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. 2021 Dec;121(12):3499-3513.
doi: 10.1007/s00421-021-04799-x. Epub 2021 Sep 16.

Caffeine, genetic variation and anaerobic performance in male athletes: a randomized controlled trial

Marc Sicova  1 , Nanci S Guest  1 , Pascal N Tyrrell  2   3 , Ahmed El-Sohemy  4
Affiliations

Caffeine, genetic variation and anaerobic performance in male athletes: a randomized controlled trial

Marc Sicova et al. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2021 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose: The effect of caffeine on anaerobic performance is unclear and may differ depending on an individual's genetics. The goal of this study was to determine whether caffeine influences anaerobic performance in a 30 s Wingate test, and if 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in nine genes, associated with caffeine metabolism or response, modify caffeine's effects.

Methods: Competitive male athletes (N = 100; 25 ± 4 years) completed the Wingate under three conditions: 0, 2, or 4 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass (mg kg-1), using a double-blinded, placebo-controlled design. Using saliva samples, participants were genotyped for the 14 SNPs. The outcomes were peak power (Watts [W]), average power (Watts [W]), and fatigue index (%).

Results: There was no main effect of caffeine on Wingate outcomes. One significant caffeine-gene interaction was observed for CYP1A2 (rs762551, p = 0.004) on average power. However, post hoc analysis showed no difference in caffeine's effects within CYP1A2 genotypes for average power performance. No significant caffeine-gene interactions were observed for the remaining SNPs on peak power, average power and fatigue index.

Conclusion: Caffeine had no effect on anaerobic performance and variations in several genes did not modify any effects of caffeine.

Trial registration: This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02109783).

Keywords: Anaerobic; Caffeine; Exercise; Genetics; Nutrigenomics; Wingate.

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